Roku introduces two new streaming sticks and reveals intentions to develop projectors.

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      Roku

      It's been a few years since Roku refreshed its streaming sticks, but now two new models have been introduced: the $30 Roku Streaming Stick with HD resolution and the $40 Roku Streaming Stick Plus that supports 4K and HDR. These new sticks replace the company's Express streaming devices, resulting in a more streamlined lineup that includes the two new sticks, Roku's current Ultra, Streaming Stick 4K, and Streambar SE. Both new Streaming Stick models are available for preorder starting today.

      Roku claims the new sticks are 35% smaller than those from competing brands. Research suggests that the stick design is highly favored, with nearly all streamers (90%) preferring a tidy setup that hides streaming devices and wires behind the television. The new models come equipped with the same voice-enabled Bluetooth remote as the Streaming Stick 4K, which also allows you to adjust the volume on the connected TV.

      The Streaming Stick 4K still remains part of the product lineup and is priced at $50. This may be due to the fact that although the new Streaming Stick Plus supports 4K and HDR (similar to the Streaming Stick 4K), it does not support Dolby Vision.

      Additionally, the company unveiled its 2025 lineup of Roku TVs, which includes a new 85-inch Roku Select Series model.

      The Roku TV Pro Series will feature "custom factory calibration," which Roku claims ensures that each TV provides an impressive picture right from the start.

      However, the largest updates will be seen in the Roku Plus Series TV. It will introduce Roku Smart Picture Max, a feature that adjusts picture settings automatically based on each scene. For the first time, mini-LED backlighting will be utilized, aiming to yield improved dynamic contrast, deeper blacks, and a broader color spectrum. Furthermore, the Roku Plus Series will include a remote finder button and integrated cable management, features that were previously exclusive to the Roku Pro Series. Roku also mentioned that the 2025 TVs will have Bluetooth connectivity for headphones.

      Roku also hinted at the upcoming release of projectors with Roku built-in. As it has done before with TVs, Roku announced a new Roku TV Smart Projector reference design has been shared with its existing Roku TV partners. No further details were revealed, but Roku promises to provide additional information soon.

      Alongside new TVs and streaming devices, Roku has also unveiled its first smart home security cameras.

      Editor's note: An earlier version of this article inaccurately reported that the Roku Streaming Stick 4K had been discontinued. This has now been amended.

      Simon Cohen is a contributing editor to Digital Trends' Audio/Video section, where he focuses on the latest wireless technology.

      Hisense has introduced its new PL2 Laser Cinema, focusing on brightness and style. The PL2, which launched in the U.K. in August and features an attractive design and a brightness of 2,700 lumens, is now available in the U.S. for $2,500. This competitively priced ultra short throw (UST) projector is the second model in Hisense's PL series and may appeal to those seeking to enter the ultra short throw market without the hefty price tag of higher-end projectors like AWOL Vision's $6,000 LTV-3500 Pro or Hisense's own premium PX3-Pro at $3,500.

      The PL2 incorporates Hisense’s advanced X-Fusion laser technology, supporting both Dolby Vision and HDR10 formats, as well as a native contrast ratio of 3,000:1 for excellent contrast and deep blacks. With 2,700 ANSI lumens of brightness (compared to the PL1's 2,200), this projector should perform well in brighter environments. The Hisense PL2 is a 4K projector featuring 4K AI upscaling and active 3D capabilities, providing diverse viewing options.

      What is DirecTV Stream: plans, pricing, channels, and more

      DirecTV has been established for quite some time, and now you can access your desired channels without a satellite dish through DirecTV Streaming. Previously known as AT&T TV, this streaming service may not be among the most popular, but it's worth checking out. It offers access to both live TV and an on-demand library similar to Hulu Plus Live TV or YouTube TV. Although it tends to be on the pricier side, it provides a lot in return.

      DirecTV isn’t as well recognized as some other live streaming services, but it has its merits. It offers four tiers of subscription with a Video On Demand (VOD) library containing over 65,000 titles. As it does not disclose streaming numbers, we lack insights into its viewership. The last recorded figures were from the end of 2020, showing the service had around 656,000 subscribers, roughly half that of